Page 29 of With Love

Adrienne

I have been waiting for Owen to get here all day. He was supposed to be released at 11:00 and then Travis was bringing him here. It's a two hour drive, but it’s 3:00 and there is still no sign of them. Marshall is in his office and I’ve been too nervous to interrupt him in order to ask. Lucy is sitting on the sofa, reading.

I’ve just finished dusting and scrubbing the countertops for the umpteenth time when I hear Marshall coming down the steps.

“Everything okay down here?” he asks. He knows that I clean when I am anxious. It’s something that I discovered since living here. It helps me keep my mind and my hands occupied.

“Yes, just anxious,” I look up at him and offer a small smile. “Please don’t think I am complaining, because I couldn’t imagine ever complaining about anything anymore, but I thought that they were supposed to be here two hours ago.”

“I’m so sorry, I should have mentioned this before, but I asked Travis to take several detours to throw off anyone who may be following them.”

I can feel the fear spreading over my face.

“No, they’re fine! I just came down to tell you that they should be here any minute.”

“Oh, thank god.” I breathe out in relief.

Just then, I hear the front door open. I turn as I see someone that I don’t recognize walk through the door, followed by Owen. He is limping a little and has a sling holding his arm in place across his chest. My eyes begin to water and I can feel my feet carry me across the room toward him. I stop just before crashing into him as he holds one arm out and pulls me into a big bear hug. Just like he used to do.

“Hey, sweetie. It’s so good to see you.”

I look up at him with tears streaming down my face. I try to talk, but I can’t form words. I feel like I'm in shock all over again. I can’t pinpoint any one emotion. I feel happiness, joy, fear, anticipation, anxiety, love all wrapped up in one.

The feeling has my legs giving out beneath me and I fall slowly to the floor. Owen crouches down next to me as Marshall comes over and does the same.

“Adrienne”

“Lana”

Marshall and Owen speak at the same time. I see Marshall shoot a glance at Owen and he corrects himself.

“Sorry, habit. Adrienne are you okay?” Owen asks me.

“Yes, I’m fine. Just a little overwhelmed with emotion at the moment. Don't mind me.” I answer with a laugh, wiping the tears from my cheeks.

Both Marshall and Owen help me to my feet. I feel like such an ass. I look around and see the other man who entered the house. This must be Travis. He walks over and introduces himself to me.

“Adrienne, it’s nice to finally meet you,” he holds his hand out to me and I take it in mine.

“Ah, you must be Travis. You actually do exist.” I laugh and look over to Marshall.

“I told you he was real,” Marshall answers as Travis shoots me a smile. He’s handsome for an older man. Definite silver fox material.

“Owen, welcome.” Marshall extends his hand out and Owen accepts it. Their handshake is stiff and very brief. As if their touch burned one another.

The tension in the room is so thick, I don’t think even a knife would be able to cut through it.

“Mr. Branch, why don’t I show you to your room.” Lucy suggests, now standing in the living room.

“Owen, this is Lucy. My nurse.” Owen nods in her direction.

“Lucy, I’d be happy to show Owen to his room.” I state.

“I’d like that.” Owen answers.

He picks up his duffel bag and I lead him down the hallway to the room that I stayed in when I first got here.

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